Window cleaning device



i Jan. 28, 1936. c. H. CALDWELL WINDOW CLEANING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 31, 1933 Ill@ I jam- 23 1936- c. H. CALDWELL 2,028,733

WINDOW CLEANING DEVICE Filed July 3l, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

Patented Jan. 28, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WINDOW CLEANING DEVICE Clarence H. Caldwell, Oak Park, Ill.

Application July 31, 1933, Serial No. 683,004

3 Claims. (Cl. 15-232) This invention relates towindow cleaners and will be described. as incorporated in a device suitable for cleaning the outside of a window while the operator remains inside the building.

An object of this invention is the provision of a device of simple construction, containing relatively few parts, which device is easily operated and eiiicient and which is economical to manufacture.

Another object is the provision of such a device by which the outside of a window may be cleaned during cold weather without the necessity of keeping the window open an appreciable amount during the cleaning operation.

A further object isthe provision of such a device capable of being applied to a window and operated to clean the window even though a screen may be secured adjacent the outer side of the window.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. l

On the drawings:

Figure 1 is a Vfragmentary section through a window frame and window, illustrating my invention associated therewith for the purpose of illustrating the method of operation.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary section similar to Figure 1 illustrating a further step in the operation of my invention.

Figures 3 and 4 are fragmentary vertical sections through a portion of that illustrated in Figure 5 and showing devices for holding a window sash in position relative to another window sash, during the process of cleaning the window.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary elevation of a window with parts broken away, illustrating the locking and holding devices shown in Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 6 is a top plan view of the improved window cleaning device incorporating this invention.

Figure 7 is a longitudinal section taken on substantially the line VII- VII of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a similar longitudinal section taken on the line VIII--VIII of Figure 6.

As shown on the drawings:

It is a'well recognized fact that many dangers attendv the cleaning of windows on the outer sides where it is necessary to stand or sit on the outside sill or lean out of' the window in order to perform the cleaning operation. Although various forms of belts and harnesses have been provided for the safety of persons cleaning the outer sidesof windows, itis nevertheless exceedingly dangerous as well as inconvenient and at times exceedingly awkward.

The window cleaning device comprising this invention is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 in l association with a window to be cleaned. A win- 5A dow frame designated generally by numeral 5 is provided with stops or guiding members 6, and 8 which are adapted to guide the window sashes 9 and |I in their vertical movements to various l positions within the window frame. A screen 10 sash I2 having fixed thereon a screen I3 is illustrated in a position adjacent the outer side of the lower window sash when the window is closed. The window sashes 9 and are provided with g panes of glass I4 and I 5 respectively. 15

The window cleaning device illustrated in Figures 6, 7, and 8, comprises a window cleaning Velement 2| which may be formed of cloth, chamois or other suitable material and is adapted Y to be readily replaced and renewed by a different 2l) washing or wiping element as may be desired. l'n Figures 7 and 8 the cleaning element 2| is shown to be of double thickness and as stretched over the ends of and extending beyond the lateral edges of a backing plate 22, preferably of sheet metal and having laterally extending corrugations 23 and downwardly deected end portions 24 which serve to normally hold the cleaning element away from the body of the backing plate 22 a suiiicient distance to permit yielding 30 of the cleaning element and to effectively prevent undue suction or vacuum effect between the cleaning element and the window which may have a tendency to prevent effective operation of the cleaning device over the surface of the window.

As best illustrated in Figure 6, the end portions 26 and 27 of the cleaning member 2| are provided with eyelets 28 and 29 for assisting in the attachment of the cleaning member to the backing plate 22. The backing plate 22 may be rmly secured to a supporting block 3| by suitable screws 32 or the like. Although the backing block may consist of a single element if desired, it is shown in the drawings as comprising initially separate blocks 3| and 33, which may consist of wood or suitable molded material of relatively light weight, which are preferably permanently secured together by glue or in some other manner along their adjacent surfaces indicated by the line 35 such that the two blocks are in substance and in operation a single support block for the backing member 22. The backing member 22 is provided with screws 36 having heads of a size adapted to pass through the eyeing element in position on said plate, a projection on said block engaged by said handle when said rocking member is rocked to tension said element to prevent accidental release of said element, a flexible actuating strap for said member, and cooperatively engageable snap fastener elements on said block and strap whereby said member may be quickly applied to and removed from said strap.

3. A Window cleaning device comprising a cleaning element adapted to be moved against the outside of a Window pane from the inside of the Window, and a flexible tape engaging against the top and bottom rails of the window sash without intervening anti-friction means and connected to said element for actuating it, said tape being waxed to minimize friction as it is drawn back and forth in use in direct contact with the sash rails.

CLARENCE H. CALDWELL. 

